Del Toro set to direct Hobbit films

The 43-year-old filmmaker will move to New Zealand for four years to make the films back to back with executive producer Peter Jackson.

Guillermo del Toro will direct the Hobbit films

Del Toro is probably best known for writing and directing the critically acclaimed movie Pan’s Labyrinth, which earned six Oscar nominations in 2006 and won three awards on the night – Best Achievement in Art Direction, Best Achievement in Cinematography and Best Achievement in Make-up.

He is also the director of the upcoming sequel Hellboy II: The Golden Army, whose monsters bear the unmistakable surreal vision of the Mexican-born filmmaker. He also directed the first Hellboy movie in 2004, which starred John Hurt, Selma Blair and Rupert Evans. Hellboy II: The Golden Army is expected to be released later this year.